My Fitness Journey/ Transformation

This is kinda a crazy statement, but here it goes! I’m 46 years old and in the best shape of my life! It’s been a long journey but so worth it!

It began right before I turned 40. We had just moved into a 2 story house. Well, I’ve never lived in a 2 story home before so all those stairs really got to me. Then I started noticing all those family vacations with lots of walking started to make me sore the next day. My lifestyle was pretty sedentary outside of running after the kids and doing house work. I asked the Hubs to put our treadmill together so I could start at least walking a mile a few times a week.

What helped me get started was a quick trip to Walmart for a few new workout leggings and tank tops. Then I decided to change my routine in the morning. As soon as I rolled out of bed I threw my gear on. Once the kiddos were on the bus, on the treadmill I went. I did this for 4 years working my way up to 3 miles run/ walking on the treadmill. It was great but I have to say it didn’t really do much in the way for weight loss.

It wasn’t until I was watching one of those celebrity fitness trainers say that 90% of weight loss was eating habits. What? Wait! Really? That was a huge wake up call for me! Sometimes it takes awhile for things to click for me. I know if you’ve read my few other posts (I’m trying to write more- not to worry (-;) I mention the book that helped me get my act together in terms of eating. TurboCharged by Dian and Tom Griesel (Brother and Sister). It doesn’t really matter which diet you do as long as you find something that helps you to make better choices.

Just make sure you drink lots of water, stay away from sugar and highly processed foods. You can work out everyday for an hour a day but if you do not control what you put in your mouth you are really wasting your time. Take it from me I was a fit fat person!

Believe me I have some bad eating days but that doesn’t undo all my hard work. I used to hate working out and control what I ate. I joined a gym over a year ago- I needed my workout to be upped a bit and to be challenged. It was the best thing I did. If you would have told me I miss my Gym days 5 years ago- I would have thought you were crazy! Now I have my Gym buddies who go when I do or attend the same classes (Do it for the Dupa – is my favorite!). It’s so much fun! I also signed up with a personal trainer (here’s a shout out for SimFit)- this way I got personalized workouts. My buddy Kim is so encouraging and has totally challenged me. On the days that we aren’t working together I try to implement what she has taught me.

Can’t afford a gym membership? See if your health insurance company has a wellness program- it may have discounted rates for local gyms in your area. That’s what I do, plus the Hubs said he would cancel my membership if I didn’t go (great motivator too!-LOL).

Anyway, I hope this encourages you to take better care of yourself. When you do others notice. And don’t you want to be the Best you – you can be? Not just for you but for your family as well!